Importance

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Abstract

A strain sensor device is attached to a cylindrical structural member for measuring the amount of twist of the member about an axis of rotation and includes a central beam, which is aligned parallel to the axis of rotation of the structural member and is fastened in between two mounting members which are themselves fixedly secured to the structural member. When torsion occurs in the structural member, the one mounting member will move in a relative direction parallel to the other mounting member but offset by the length of the central beam. The central beam is significantly less rigid than the mounting blocks and bends to accommodate the movement. Four strain gauges are secured to the central beam in a bridge circuit to measure bending of the beam. The bridge circuit generates electrical signals proportional to the angle of twist and the torsional load on the structural member. Additional strain gauges can be provided on a second beam, perpendicular to the central beam, to measure bending of the second beam proportional to axial loads on the structural member. Shaped blocks, which are adhered to the structural member, or clamps may be used as mounting members.

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First Claim